Chapter 10—Kindness the Key to Hearts
Many Reached Only by Love and Kindness—Those who en-
gage in house-to-house labor will find opportunities for ministry in
many lines. They should pray for the sick and should do all in their
power to relieve them from suffering. They should work among the
lowly, the poor, and the oppressed. We should pray for and with the
helpless ones who have not strength of will to control the appetites that
passion has degraded. Earnest, persevering effort must be made for the
salvation of those in whose hearts an interest is awakened. Many can
be reached only through acts of disinterested kindness. Their physical
wants must first be relieved. As they see evidence of our unselfish
love, it will be easier for them to believe in the love of Christ.
Missionary nurses are best qualified for this work, but others should
be connected with them. These, although not specially educated and
trained in nursing, can learn from their fellow workers the best manner
of labor.
Talk, Pharisaism, and self-praise are abundant; but these will never
win souls to Christ. Pure, sanctified love, such love as was expressed
in Christ’s lifework, is as a sacred perfume. Like Mary’s broken
box of ointment, it fills the whole house with fragrance. Eloquence,
knowledge of truth, rare talents, mingled with love, are all precious
endowments. But ability alone, the choicest talents alone, cannot take
the place of love.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:83, 84
.
With Love Which Springs From the Heart—Love is the basis
of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God
[82]
unless he has unselfish love for his brother. But we can never come
into possession of this spirit by trying to love others. What is needed
is the love of Christ in the heart. When self is merged in Christ, love
springs forth spontaneously. The completeness of Christian character
is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs con-
stantly from within—when the sunshine of heaven fills the heart and
is revealed in the countenance.
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